Detachable probe-type electronic clinical thermometer

Abstract

A detachable probe-type electronic clinical thermometer includes a temperature measuring probe and the main body of the thermometer, the probe and thermometer body each having a connector for connecting them together. Each connector is provided with a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts, with the contacts of the connector on the thermometer body side comprising respective spring-like bodies. When the two connectors are connected to each other, the spring-like bodies of the thermometer body connector independently urge the corresponding contacts of the probe connector.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A detachable probe-type electronic clinical thermometer comprising: a temperature measuring probe equipped with at least a first connector; and   a clinical thermometer main body equipped with a cord to a distal end of which is attached a second, clip-type connector adapted for being connected with said first connector;   said first and second connectors each having a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts;   said plurality of electrical contacts of said second connector each comprising a spring body through which passes an electrical signal from said probe;   each of said plurality of spring bodies independently and directly engaging, due to a spring urging force thereof, the corresponding electrical contact of said first connector when the plurality of contacts of said first and second connectors are electrically connected to each other.   
     
     
       2. The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein said first connector has a mating portion whose cross-sectional shape transverse to a fitting direction in which said first and second connectors are fitted together includes a recess; and said second connector has a mating portion whose cross-sectional shape transverse to said fitting direction in which said first and second connectors are fitted together includes a projection, said projection being adapted to mate with walls defining said recess;   said respective mating portions of the first and second connectors mating in such a manner that the transverse centers of said first and second connectors coincide when said first and second connectors are fitted together.   
     
     
       3. The thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the transverse cross-sectional shapes of said recessed mating portion and said projecting mating portion have substantially symmetrical, substantially isosceles trapezoidal configurations, respectively. 
     
     
       4. The thermometer according to claim 2, wherein a cross sectional shape of the first connector extending in said fitting direction in which said first and second connectors are fitted together has a locking projecting portion, and the cross sectional shape of the second connector extending in said fitting direction has a locking recessed portion, and said projecting and recessed portions being fitted together to prevent disengagement of the first and second connectors from each other in the fitting direction. 
     
     
       5. The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein said springs are torsion coil springs. 
     
     
       6. The thermometer according to claim 5, wherein the contacts of said thermometer body are formed by extending end portions of said torsion coil springs.